Choose a location

Epice

Fine Dining
RRR+

Attributes

  • Romantic
  • Gourmet Guide Plated
  • Reviewers' Choice 2022 - Top 20
  • Reviewers' Choice 2023 - Top 50
  • Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Top 50

Epice – derived from the French word Épice meaning spice (and is pronounced eh-peace) - is an intimate fine dining restaurant located at Heritage Square, Franschhoek (opposite Leeu House)

"The restaurant menu will revolve around spices, but that doesn’t necessarily mean spicy hot - think of vanilla and saffron, or cinnamon and nutmeg, too," says Scot Kirton, Chef Proprietor of La Colombe.

Heading up the kitchen, head chef Charné Sampson is no stranger to refined, cutting edge cuisine- until recently she was the sous chef at La Colombe and is another one of Scot’s protégés to spread her wings. A graduate of Silwood, Charné also honed her craft in the kitchen of The Restaurant at Waterkloof and The Test Kitchen.

Gourmet Guide Description

Take a magic culinary ride to the iconic space in the old Le Quartier building in Franschhoek for a captivating treat at Epice (French for ‘spice’). The interior’s understated spice hues juxtapose perfectly with the bright sunshine and greenery outside, or you can appreciate the
crackling fire in winter.

Chef Charné Mouton is unapologetic about her passion for spices and the depth they impart to all dishes, whether sweet or savoury. She delights in introducing the full spectrum at your table from the start. The uninitiated may think of curry, but there’s true intellect in how she has married every ingredient with her first-choice spices. This spice queen celebrates each ingredient personally, drawing from her Cape heritage, with both her vindaloo sauce and fabled bread course creating a come-back-for-more scenario.

Choose from a traditional wine pairing, cocktail, or in-house tonic pairing. Whilst marrying beverages with spicy foods can be challenging, the team has worked hard to ensure successful surprises. Expect a little showboating with dry ice and tableside service, which all adds to the fun. Food is tasty and well-executed, and guests rave about the sweet potatoes with cumin, beef dripping, and berbere. In ‘feeding with passion’, La Colombe converts will be overjoyed to devour octopus cooked in passion fruit, cutting it open with scissors. You’ll leave with a spice box, some seeds to plant, and indelible memories.

Reviews (2348)

4.8 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.6
Service 4.9
Ambience 4.7
  • Mark S. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 02 Apr 25
    A real culinary treat. Outstanding food, service, ambience and presentation. World class.

  • Katie C. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 01 Apr 25
    We really enjoyed our meal at Epice - the food was absolutely incredible and the service was perfect. We will definitely be back in the future!

  • Oula J. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 01 Apr 25
    The staff, the food and ambience just one of the best culinary experiences the 4 of us has experienced. The food just kept getting better with each dish but the 3 that needs a special mentions are the bread dish, Tuna and Roti.

  • Liza S. Dined: 4 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • thomas b. Dined: 4 days ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 31 Mar 25
    The food is excellent , highly recommended

  • Yonga Y. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 30 Mar 25
    10/10 Friendly & professional staff Hearty flavours & fresh ingredients Relaxing atmosphere

  • Alex O. Dined: 5 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 30 Mar 25
    Great experience from start to finish. Friendly, professional, attentive and knowledgeable staff. Welcoming venue, decor and ambiance top notch. Very interesting and "wow!" bread course. One of the best tuna dishes ever. Special touch is the "Chef's table" where the palate cleaner is made by kitchen staff and explained. Includes high-level overview of kitchen stations. Impressive wine list with curated options of wines by carafe meaning you can build your own wine pairing to accompany the courses. Highly recommended!

  • Josef S. Dined: 5 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 30 Mar 25
    Great Food and lovely service , we will come back 👍

  • Rob B. Dined: 5 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 30 Mar 25
    We really enjoyed the whole experience, staff and food were amazing. Would definitely recommend anyone to try.

  • Jenny W. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 29 Mar 25
    Always a pleasure, great food, flavour, and service.. one we keep coming back to..

Show More
Order Takeaway
OR

Book a table

Favourite

Opening Hours

  • Monday CLOSED
  • Tuesday 18h30 - 22h00
  • Wednesday 18h30 - 22h00
  • Thursday 18h30 - 22h00
  • Friday 12h00 - 15h00, 18h30 - 22h00
  • Saturday 12h00 - 15h00, 18h30 - 22h00
  • Sunday 12h00 - 15h00, 18h30 - 22h00